Nelson Tasman alliance presents compelling business case to support New Zealand’s future defence needs, utilising the region’s significant existing infrastructure and capabilities
Tuesday 28 July, 2026
An industry led, public-private sector alliance is working together to showcase Nelson Tasman's strong capabilities and united commitment to support industry opportunities and the growth and resilience of the New Zealand Defence Force, particularly the New Zealand Navy.
The alliance comprises Nelson Regional Development Agency, Council, iwi, Port Nelson, Kernohan Engineering, Skipper Training NZ and Nelson Airport. Its focus is presenting a compelling business case based on the region’s diverse and extensive marine support businesses, services and infrastructure, strategic, secure location and Port land availability.
The proposal comes as the scheduled multi-year upgrade of the Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, and budgeted increased defence spending over the coming decade, mean the NZDF will be requiring new and expanded procurement, maintenance and support solutions. A detailed capability statement has been developed to demonstrate how Nelson Tasman can complement existing capacity and capabilities at the Devonport Naval Base and other sites, supporting naval maintenance, marine engineering, specialist workforce training and procurement needs. Combining the region’s support capabilities and strategic geographic location, the capability statement also highlights opportunities for Nelson Tasman to support wider emergency management capability and national resilience planning.
The capability statement showcases more than 65 specialist businesses employing around 2,000 people across the Port Nelson precinct, alongside world-leading science and innovation organisations including Cawthron Institute, BSI Plant & Food Research, Earth Sciences NZ and the region's wider blue economy ecosystem. Together they demonstrate the depth of expertise already supporting New Zealand's marine industries.
During a visit to the region last week, Nelson Tasman’s regional capability was presented to Minister of Defence, Hon Chris Penk, with Nelson Mayor Nick Smith and Tasman Mayor Tim King joining representatives from the alliance, communicating that the region is ready to engage to identify and progress opportunities to support NZDF.
Nelson City Council Mayor Nick Smith said the proposal reflects years of strategic investment across the region.
“New Zealand is having to invest more in defence capacity with the world becoming more unstable. Nelson is well placed to support New Zealand’s growing Defence Force, particularly the Navy, with our central geographical location, port infrastructure and diverse marine engineering industries. Our regional alliance gives Government and NZDF a co-ordinated point of engagement and shows that our region is ready to partner.”
Tasman Mayor Tim King said the work demonstrates the value of Nelson Tasman presenting a united regional proposition.
“This is a significant regional opportunity, bringing together strengths from across Nelson Tasman. It could support national resilience while creating pathways into high-value, skilled work for local people and new opportunities for businesses already serving the marine, engineering, technology and blue economy sectors.”
For local engineering companies, the opportunity is a natural extension of capabilities already supporting New Zealand's commercial marine industries. Kernohan Engineering chief executive Paul Miller said the proposal builds on the region's proven marine engineering expertise across the blue economy.
"Our companies work every day on complex marine engineering projects that demand precision, innovation and reliability. Those capabilities are directly transferable to supporting defence vessels and systems. There’s a great opportunity to apply decades of marine engineering experience and help to strengthen New Zealand's sovereign industrial capability through a resilient dual-use supply chain."
Port Nelson chief executive Matt McDonald said significant investment had already created infrastructure capable of supporting future defence activities.
“Port Nelson has invested heavily in facilities that are now among the best in New Zealand, including the upgraded Calwell marine maintenance facility with our 550-tonne boat hoist and 2400 tonne slipway. Alongside our regular slipway operations, we have lifted and serviced 12 vessels since the opening of the boat hoist and hardstand in April this year, with vessels coming from as far as Bluff and Whangārei. Our strategic location, combined with available development land, shows we are well placed to support future marine maintenance and logistics requirements while continuing to grow the commercial activity that already underpins our regional economy.”
The proposal also highlights Nelson Tasman's specialist maritime training capability, with Skipper Training NZ, NMIT and the planned Voyager Maritime Centre supporting future workforce development. Captain Clive Holmes, RNZNR, General Manager of Skipper Training NZ, says
"Defence capability starts with skilled people. Nelson Tasman already delivers specialist maritime training, and by strengthening links between industry, education and Defence, we can help build the next generation of maritime professionals."
Eugene Whakahoehoe, chief executive of Ngāti Kuia said the proposal recognised that supporting Defence capability also means supporting the wellbeing of Defence personnel and their whānau.
“Nelson Tasman offers a welcoming and diverse community, excellent schools, a good breadth of housing options, established family support organisations, an outstanding climate and beautiful natural environment. The region's deep connection to the ocean, and surrounding environment, also supports a world-class marine sector, creating opportunities for innovation, employment and long-term economic resilience."
Nelson Regional Development Agency chief executive Fiona Wilson said the alliance has been engaging directly with Government and NZDF representatives to present the business case and build relationships for future opportunities since the start of 2026.
"The objective is to ensure awareness of Nelson Tasman’s capabilities and to position the region for growth, supporting industry procurement and opportunities for future skilled work. This is an opportunity where Nelson Tasman's existing strengths align with future national priorities.”
“The compelling message of our business case is that it is all here, ready and available; we are not asking for new investment, but to leverage the full suite of our existing assets, services and skills.”
Pictured at the Calwell Marine Maintenance Facility at Port Nelson; CEO of Kernohan Engineering Paul Miller, left, CEO of Nelson City Council Nigel Philpott, Calwell site manager Pete Carmichael, Nelson Regional Development Agency CEO Fiona Wilson and regional public service commissioner for Nelson, Tasman and West Coast Craig Churchill.
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